Antonian senior Nicole Murff remembered a time when she wondered what might become of this season. After all, the Apaches graduated eight players from last year’s TAPPS 5A state semifinalists, leaving plenty of uncertainty.

Then, the players got on the court for preseason workouts, and uncertainty turned into possibility.

“Once we started practicing, everybody was just like, ‘Wow, this is going to be a good year,’” Murff said.

No. 8 Antonian’s 25-17, 25-20, 25-16 nondistrict win Tuesday over Navarro at Recko Gym did little to change the sentiment. It was another impressive win for the Apaches (21-8), who won the Round Rock Westwood Showcase, were fourth at the Texas Showdown at Smithson Valley, and second in the bronze bracket at the Fraulein Volleyfest in New Braunfels.

“There’s so much chemistry on this team,” said Murff, who had nine digs, six kills and three aces. “I love it. I think that’s what makes us win.”

It does not hurt having Maylin Garrett, a 6-foot outside hitter committed to Arkansas. She totaled 13 kills, 13 digs, two aces and two blocks as Antonian prevailed Tuesday over UIL Class 4A team Navarro in a matchup of clubs that made postseason runs in 2016.

The turning point came late in the opening set. Trailing 17-16, the Apaches scored the final nine points for a 25-17 win, capitalizing on six errors from Navarro (20-3), which earlier this season won the Wagner and Bastrop tournaments and last weekend was second at the Seguin tournament.

“My coach (Samantha McLure) says that she can see in our film that we never have the thought we’re going to lose,” said Garrett, who transferred from Clark in the offseason. “We’re always working hard, we’re always having to talk (during practices), and I think that’s what helps on the court.”

Catapulted by 10 aces and strong efforts from junior Michaela Edwards (nine kills, seven digs and three aces) and senior Mia Perales (31 assists and 15 digs), Antonian took control early in the final two sets.